The Evolution of Ecological Well-Being Performance and Its Effects on Population Longevity: A County-Level Spatiotemporal Analysis of Hubei Province, China

Building an ecological civilization and promoting national health are crucial for high-quality development. These goals are linked to ecological well-being performance (EWP). This study aimed to evaluate EWP based on county-scale input–output relationships, analyze its spatiotemporal evolution, and explore how EWP changes affect longevity through spatial spillover and interaction mechanisms. We first used the super-SBM model to assess county-level EWP from 2000 to 2020. Then, spatial econometric models and geographical detectors were applied to analyze the impact of EWP on longevity. The results show a persistent uptrend in overall EWP, indicating that Hubei Province has enhanced its sustainable development capacity. Regions with high EWP values have distinct characteristics. There is polarization in the east, expansive connectivity in the west, and fragmentation in the center, forming a clear “core–edge” structure. The improvement in EWP directly promotes male, female, and overall population longevity and has spatial spillover effects. EWP also interacts with the natural environment and socioeconomic development, serving as a key factor promoting population longevity within Hubei Province. These findings provide a reference for regions in China or other developing countries to understand the relationships between the extension of population lifespan and regional sustainable development.